Suit filed against DCFS in death of 8-year-old

CHICAGO — The mother and maternal grandfather of an 8-year-old who allegedly died after severe abuse at her father's home are suing the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

The lawsuit says the agency didn't report signs of abuse it argues could have prevented Gizzell Ford's death. It was filed late Friday in Cook County Court.

Paramedics found the girl's badly bruised and cut body last year in the apartment home. Prosecutors say Andre Ford watched as his mother denied her food and water, and encouraged his mother to beat her.

Andre Ford and his mother, Helen Ford, are charged with murder. They've pleaded not guilty.

The suit says a caseworker visited the home weeks earlier but didn't take steps to remove the girl.